The lovely and talented Angie Seykora hosted her Emergent Structures opening last Thursday. Her work is vibrant, strong, architectural and thought-provoking. We thank all who came out last Thursday night to support our Omaha artist! Angie’s work will be up for a few months, please stop by to see her work [they are available for purchase].

Familiarize yourself with Angie + her work here : www.angieseykora.com/

June 22nd marked our second art opening of the year with paintings by Megan Thomas. The evening was as delightful as her paintings! Megan's work will be up until mid-September, so swing by and check it out. Paintings available for purchase.

An Omaha native, Audrey is pursuing her Master of Architecture at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and is set to graduate May 2020. Post-graduation Audrey envisions working/traveling to gain experience while working towards becoming a licensed architect. Summer to Audrey is full of travel, exploration of nature (like climbing big mountains called 14’rs!), painting, family/friends time, and design.

“I am inspired by the natural environment and all of the astounding beauty and happiness it brings. Architecture that combines the natural and the man-made reduces stress, improves well-being and happiness, and increases creativity and clarity.”

Savannah Scoville

Savannah is from Hartington, Nebraska and currently attends University of Nebraska - Lincoln attaining her bachelor degree in Interior Design. After graduation expected May of 2019, she hopes that her future career in interior design will allow her to travel as much as possible and wherever possible! She feeds off working with a variety of people, learning from other’s experiences. During the summer you can find Savannah anywhere lakeside – paddle boarding, jet skiing, kayaking and even sketching under the shade from a tree.

“What inspires me – In life- the people I surround myself with. In design- an interior’s ability to shape human behavior and make people’s lives better.”

The new combined UNL University Health Center and UNMC College of Nursing building – our project in collaboration with HGA Architects - is nearing completion! At an impressive size of 106,000 SF, this facility will provide nursing students with large classrooms to accommodate the growing profession and overall growth in both faculty and students. Six simulation centers equipped with programmable mannequins and technology will help train the nursing students for real life emergency situations once they are out in the field. Classrooms will welcome students in August.

The Omaha City Planning Department and the Nebraska State Historical Society enlisted the expertise of APMA’s Historic Specialists on a large architectural resource survey. This survey dove into research, analysis, and evaluation of the commercial buildings along the greatest extent of Omaha’s historic streetcar system to help develop planning and preservation recommendations for the City of Omaha.

APMA’s Historic Specialists included Jennifer Honebrink, Chris Jansen, and Caitlin Benton. They worked alongside city planners Jed Moulton and Trina Westman and REO researchers Kristine Gerber, Gary Rosenberg, Patrick Thompson and photographer Nathan King to collect data and photographs for the extensive report. The influence of the streetcar system on the development of Omaha had been a recurring theme in previous surveys and the team started by gathering information on all properties adjacent to the historic streetcar routes, of which there were thousands! From the thousands rose a few hundred that were identified as having sufficient integrity to illustrate the history of neighborhood commercial areas associated with the streetcar in Omaha. These were grouped into 44 areas, such as Little Bohemia, Cascio’s and Manderson Market.

The 262-page document, which is rich in colorful maps and photographs, is organized by historic context, resource analysis, and recommendations for each of the 44 study areas. The goal of the study was to identify those areas which are candidates for historic or conservation districts, as well as those that could benefit from planning and zoning overlays that fit their existing conditions better. Future development of these areas will be encouraged as the architectural assets and development principles are implemented through a thoughtful planning processes.

The influence of the historic system and how it was originally used, can be seen as an example as Omaha moves forward and redevelops its streetcar neighborhoods, and that’s when YOUR help comes in!

Step 1: Get educated.

Step 2: Spread the word.

Step 3: Work with the planning department to implement zoning and planning changes that will benefit your neighborhood and list your historic neighborhood so it gets the recognition it deserves.

*Be sure to include your family and friends in Step 1 – Step 3 😊

We are happy to help you with Step 1. Get your hands on the 2017 Omaha’s Historic Streetcar System Intensive Level Survey by calling the Planning Department at 402 444 5150. Copies will be available from the preservation office. For Step 2 and Step 3, you got this in the bag!

Sorry, the pun was too irresistible. Thanks to everyone who made it out for our APMA Open Studios Evening last Thursday featuring art by the very talented, Gerard Pefung!

Missed the opening? No worries! Just because the art opening has come and gone doesn't mean that you can't swing by to check it out. You are welcome and encouraged to stop by during our business hours to view Gerard's work which will remain up for a few months. Please note that the art is for sale.

Last night marked an evening of gorgeous handcrafted furniture, friends and fun! Our featured artist for the next few months is Todd McCollister of Long Grain Furniture. Todd is an Omaha local who creates works of art with wood (no nails!). His work will be displayed, available for purchase, in our lobby for the next few months, so please swing on down to take a look!

http://longgrainfurniture.com/

For your enjoyment, photos from Todd's opening last night in our lobby! Thanks to all who could make it out.

We do that in myriad ways; be it through our work with some of Omaha's most dynamic non-profits, our efforts to reimagine uses for the most challenging buildings, or how we work to create a sense of family and community within our own walls.

Last week APMA hosted Spirit Day to celebrate what makes us unique while also demonstrating our commitment to the community around us. Here's how we celebrated:

Showed off our fan favorites.

Had rainy day chili.

Collected gardening supplies and spent the afternoon volunteering at the Global Leadership Group's Community Garden and the Goodwin's Spencer Street Barber Shop in North Omaha.

To learn more about 24 Hours of Impact and find out how you can give back, visit 24hoursofimpact.com.

The Union for Contemporary Art works to inspire positive social change in Omaha by strengthening the city's creative culture, providing direct support to local artists and increasing the visibility of contemporary art forms in our community.

The Assemblage Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska also won a 2017 AIA Nebraska Merit Award.

Congratulations to the design teams, clients and partners for this well-deserved recognition!